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Human membrane type-4 matrix metalloproteinase (MT4-MMP) is encoded by a novel major transcript: isolation of
1Department of Cancer Cell Research, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Five distinct membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMP) have been reported by cDNA cloning. However, the mt4-mmp gene product (MMP-17) has not been identified yet in spite of the cDNA isolation [Puente et al. (1996), Cancer Res. 56, 944-949]. In this study, we re-examined the transcripts for human mt4-mmp by 5' RACE and identified two types of transcripts. The minor one corresponded to the cDNA reported by Puente et al. and failed to express protein, and the other is the major transcript that has an extended open reading frame and expressed 67 and 71 kDa translation products. Thus, functional mt4-mmp has been identified for the first time.
Insights
Researchers identified the functional membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase 17 (MT-MMP 17) for the first time. This discovery clarifies the protein product of the mt4-mmp gene, previously unconfirmed despite cDNA isolation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Five distinct membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMP) have been identified through cDNA cloning.
- The protein product of the mt4-mmp gene, MMP-17, remained unidentified despite prior cDNA isolation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the functional protein product of the human mt4-mmp gene.
- To characterize the transcripts and translation products of mt4-mmp.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 5' RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) to re-examine human mt4-mmp transcripts.
- Analyzed transcript variants and their protein expression capabilities.
Main Results:
- Identified two types of mt4-mmp transcripts.
- A minor transcript matched previously reported cDNA but did not express protein.
- A major transcript with an extended open reading frame expressed 67 and 71 kDa protein products.
Conclusions:
- The functional mt4-mmp gene product, MMP-17, has been identified for the first time.
- The major transcript encodes the functional MMP-17 protein.